Tag: wellness

Why Are People Taking a Shot of Olive Oil in the Morning, and Should I?

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Every year, there always seems to be a wellness trend that takes the world by storm (CBD and gua sha have entered the chat), and this year, it seems to be taking a shot of olive oil in the morning. If your TikTok algorithm is anything like mine, you might land on videos with juice recipes for blemish diys, makeup tutorials, wellness recipes, and Amazon Must Haves. But when I started to see more and more videos on #guthealthtok of people taking a shot of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice in the morning, I had to see what the craze was all about. Read on for my deep dive into the fad taking TikTok by storm and whether or not a shot of olive oil and lemon juice should be added to your morning routine.

@yourkoreanunni

happy skin + gut = try it for a week 😮‍💨 #skincare #health #guthealth

♬ original sound – AMAHREE
@yourkoreanunni

My wellness routine! What works for me might not work for you so… try it? #oliveoilshot #guthealth #wellnesstips

♬ original sound – Soo Youn Lee

What are people saying?

If your “For You” page hasn’t fed you videos of people taking a shot of EVOO yet, here is a rundown of what the TikToks are saying: If you take a shot on an empty stomach, it can coat the walls of the stomach, improving mobility throughout the colon, and allow smooth bowel movement and digestion. Some people add a splash of lemon juice for benefits like improved digestive health. Even though it’s currently a TikTok trend, taking a shot of olive oil isn’t anything new: Communities around the Mediterranean have been doing this for decades, and the use of olive oil for both nutritious and medicinal properties dates back to as early as Ancient Egypt. 

@mediterraneandiet

Ignore the clueless so called “experts”. Here’s what you need to know about getting the best olive oil! #oliveoil #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanfood #bestoliveoil #foryou #healthyliving #greece #greek #evoo #dietitian #nutritionist

♬ original sound – Mediterranean Diet

If I’m being honest, taking a shot of EVOO doesn’t sound incredibly appetizing, but I’m all about dissecting wellness trends and figuring out ways to improve my overall health. So I asked experts whether or not the shot was worth the hype. If this trend has sparked your interest as much as it did mine, keep reading to hear what the experts have to say about the benefits of olive oil and whether or not we should hop on this trend too.

@askdebbieabouthair

Drink a shot of EVOO for weight loss, inflammation, & more. #tiktokpartner #learnontikok #foryou #healthy #extravirginoliveoil #minivlog

♬ Lifeline (Instrumental) – BLVKSHP

Benefits of olive oil

When it comes to whether or not olive oil is healthy, the rumors are true. Olive oil is a superfood that contains anti-inflammatory qualities, helps supports the growth of healthy bacteria and improves brain function. “Olive oil contains polyphenols and a fatty acid profile that may help to diversify healthy gut bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria,” explained Cassie Brown, MS, CHHP. “We need these fats to support our cognitive health, proper energy function, and nerve function, and they can help protect against diseases, promote satiety, slow our digestion for proper absorption, help the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and help hydrate and keep our cells proliferating.”

@insulinresistant1

Extra-virgin olive oil and my blood sugar. Does this superfood spike my glucose levels? #bloodsugar#insulinresistance#prediabetes#oliveoil#insulinresistant1

♬ original sound – Justin / Stop Spiking Sugar

Like other healthy fats, olive oil can help improve your gut’s microbiome. “Healthy fats help your gut absorb certain micronutrients like vitamins A, D, and K, which are key for optimal health,” agreed Tara Bassi, MS, CNS, LDN. It is also very heart-friendly, thanks to its ability to assist in regulating cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Bassi explained that maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can also impact your weight and overall digestive system.

@askdebbieabouthair

Lose weight & belly fat with extra virgin olive oil learnontiktok foryou bellyfat healthy weightlosstips selfcare health naturalremedy

♬ original sound – Ask Debbie About Hair & Health

So is the trend worth it?

It is no secret that olive oil is our friend: EVOO makes for a perfect kitchen staple and is great for our everyday diet, but is it necessary to start our mornings with a shot? Brown expressed that there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to treating any symptom, and while there’s a lot of research on the health benefits of olive oil in general, there’s no research backing up that taking a shot of it on an empty stomach is more beneficial.

@mandanazarghami

Reply to @stephyt91 Olive oil lemon juice shot recipe🖤 #guthealth #weightloss #oliveoilshot

♬ As It Was – Harry Styles
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Instead, she suggested that you can reap the benefits by pouring it on a salad, mixing it in a dressing, or adding it to a smoothie or meal just like you would any other healthy fat. Bassi agreed that just adding some olive oil to your meals throughout the day would be beneficial. However, everybody is different, and just because a ritual is not studied does not mean it can’t make you feel good. If you are interested in trying the EVOO shot, it’s probably not harmful to take it in shot form (unless you have certain conditions that affect fat absorption), so talk to your doctor to identify if the extra dose of healthy fats is right for you.

@abbeyskitchen

Sure, olive oil is healthy for you and your skin. But you don’t need to be taking shots of it to be a “hot girl”. #oliveoil #glowingskin #glowing #healthyskin #healthyfood

♬ original sound – Abbey Sharp

The Rituals Taylor Swift Uses To Stay Fit Enough to Perform For 3 Hours Straight

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Life on tour is grueling (or so I’ve heard), but Taylor Swift could’ve fooled us with her seemingly effortless stamina throughout her 3-hour “Eras Tour” show (complete with seamless outfit changes on stage, might I add). It got me wondering how she performs her way through 44 hits from her 10 studio albums without so much as breaking a sweat or popping one of the sequins off her red-and-sequined-snaked Reputation look. So naturally, I scoured the internet for every tidbit I could find about her wellness routine (you’re welcome, Swifties). How does she sweat it out? What does she eat in a day? Is she just like us when it comes to self-care? Read on for a breakdown of T-Swift’s health and wellness standbys. Alexa, play the Midnight’s album.

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For fitness: She dances it out (on and off stage)

According to an article in Marie Claire, pounding the pavement and dance-based workouts from New York-based studio Body By Simone are the singer-songwriter’s secret weapons to keeping up endurance and strength to perform dozens of shows while on tour. Body by Simone classes (which are also offered on their digital studio so you can sweat it on the go) combines a unique fusion of dance, Pilates, and functional strength training (think: high-intensity dance cardio, bodyweight moves, and light dumbbell exercises) that create “a safe space where women can feel inspired and motivated to become the best version of themselves,” said Simone de la Rue, Body by Simone’s Founder. To give Swift’s fitness regimen a whirl, try this 20-minute full-body Body by Simone workout. You’ll jump lunge, push up shoulder tap, crunch as you side plank, and jump squat your way to Swift fitness status.

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But dancing (on and off the stage) isn’t the only exercise she swears by. “For me, running is about blasting a whole bunch of new songs and running to the beat,” Swift told WebMD. “It’s also good because it makes me find a gym wherever I am…I love exploring the places we go when we tour.”

For diet: She follows intuitive eating habits 

Show biz is not without its fad diets, cleanses, and quick fixes, but don’t count Swift as part of that crowd. Rather, she takes a balanced approach to her diet. Translation: Taylor follows a wholesome menu during the week while letting loose with her food choices on the weekends. “…I try to keep it lighter, but it’s nothing too regimented or crazy,” Swift conveyed to WebMD. “I don’t like to create too many rules where I don’t need them. We know what’s good for us, thanks to common sense.” Case in point: She told WebMD she passes on sugary drinks and sticks to salads, yogurt, and sandwiches Monday through Friday, but enjoys a burger and fries, ice cream, or cookies on weekends (a girl after my own heart). 

We could all take a page from Swift’s book on mindful eating—that goes for sweets too. If you’re a Swiftie, you probably already know she’s no stranger to baking up a storm of desserts. “I bake pumpkin bread for everyone I know and make ginger molasses cookies and hot chocolate and chai,” she expressed to Bon Appétit. As for her go-to drinks? Skinny vanilla lattes on weekdays and PSLs on weekends. “The point is I’m never cutting out what I love,” Swift informed WebMD. She is just like us!

For hydration: She always has a water bottle with her

Swift can’t live without her Starbucks like the rest of us, but she knows water does a body good and makes it a point to load up on water, tour or no tour. “I have so much water in my dressing room because I drink, like, ten bottles of water a day,” Swift revealed to Bon Appétit. “I drink so much water my friends call me an alien.” She never leaves home without a water bottle and even keeps a case in her car for good measure. While you don’t have to guzzle ten bottles in a day (assuming you’re not a pop star performing night after night), a general rule of thumb is to aim for about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day. When we stay sufficiently hydrated, our cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems work more efficiently. So do as Taylor does and hit your hydration goal for the day. Step 1: Start with a glass of water first thing in the AM. Your skin will reap the benefits, too. 

For mental health: She journals 

“Health is a big part of being happy,” Swift shared with WebMD, which to her means being in great shape both physically and mentally. It turns out she’s a journaling stan (that instantly gets her the BeautyLeeBar stamp of approval, BTW): “From a young age, any time I would feel the pain I would think, ‘It’s OK, I can write about this after school.’ As a young kid, I learned to process my emotions by writing.” Swift was onto something at an early age because putting pen to paper has a bevy of benefits, including reducing stress, creating space from negative thoughts, and deepening self-discovery. 

And it’s no surprise that Swift also takes to her songwriting and music to feel all her feels: “…anytime something hurts, like rejection or sadness or loneliness, or I feel joy or I fall in love, I ask myself, ‘Can I write a song about this so I know how I feel?’” she said. Even if your journal entries about your feelings don’t become a platinum hit, journaling can provide an effective way to process emotions. Think of it like a therapy session with yourself.

For self-care: She has a routine to feel at home while traveling

In her interview with WebMD, Swift didn’t sugarcoat life on tour: riding hours on a bus, giving it her all on stage, and not sleeping in her bed can feel draining. Her key to staying balanced through it all? Following a comforting routine and packing certain travel essentials. Her first order of business when settling into her hotel room is unpacking. “I do it everywhere I go,” Swift said. “I like the way it feels to have my clothes put away in drawers and my shoes in the closet.” According to WebMD, Swift also always brings candles with her to her destinations. 

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If you caught Swift’s Netflix documentary Taylor Swift: Miss Americana, you know that her squad includes her feline companions—Olivia, Meredith, and Benjamin—and she has personalized bags and cat backpacks for them for travel on her private jet, according to Parade Pets (they’re practically just as famous as their mom, thanks to their many cameos on IG and TikTok). What’s more, Swift brings them to events and music video shoots alike every chance she gets (as evidenced here and here). As a fellow four-legged animal mama, I can relate.

Bella Hadid Swears by This Smoothie, so I Tried It for Myself

Published on by Lee1 Comment

As a lover of all things health and wellness, I’m no stranger to the many smoothie concoctions the internet swears will change your life. What I am a stranger to, however, is California-based organic grocery store Erewhon and its celebrity-inspired beverages. Some of their most recent smoothie collabs include the Tinx Smoothie, Marianna Hewitt’s Coconut Cloud Smoothie, Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh Potion Detox Smoothie, and Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie. The newest viral drink to be featured on Erewhon’s menu? Bella Hadid’s Kinsicle Smoothie. 

After hearing all the buzz about the Kinsicle smoothie (named after Bella’s functional beverage company Kin Euphorics), I wanted to give it a try. But since I’m not lucky enough to a) live near Erewhon or b) have the budget for a $20 smoothie, I decided to make my own at home. Read on for the list of ingredients you need to make the Bella Hadid Erewhon smoothie, the benefits of the drink, and my thoughts on it. 

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The recipe 

According to Kin Euphorics, here’s what you’ll need for a DIY version of the Kinsicle smoothie: 

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  • 2 oz. High Rhode
  • 1 oz. Califa almond milk
  • 1 oz. aloe vera juice
  • 6 oz. OJ Evolution
  • ½ oz. of fresh pressed turmeric
  • 1 oz. coconut cream
  • 1 tsp. of vanilla
  • 1-2 tbsp. of Coconut Cult yogurt
  • 1 banana
  • 6 oz. mango
  • ½ tsp. of lion’s mane mushroom
  • 1 Medjool date

First, coat the inside of your cup with the coconut cream (for aesthetic purposes, of course), then blend all the ingredients until smooth. Transfer your mix to your already prepped glass and top it off with an extra large (preferably reusable #savetheturtles) smoothie straw.

Kinsicle Recipe Video:

@erewhonmarket

DREAMY KINSICLE by Bella Hadid🧡🍊✨ Bursting with benefits and tastes heavenly. A little over two weeks to enjoy! Get it while you can ✨

♬ original sound – Erewhon Market

The benefits

Just like Kourtney Kardashian’s smoothie that’s said to aid in digestion and Hailey Bieber’s drink that’s said to give you glowing skin, people are reaching for the Kinsicle smoothie for its health benefits and–let’s be honest–with the hope that it’s the secret to Bella’s supermodel glow. The truth? This recipe is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants from the orange juice, mangos, banana, and aloe vera juice, making it a great immunity-boosting beverage. The addition of lion’s mane helps improve mood and cognitive functioning, and the dash of turmeric can help fight inflammation. In short, this smoothie is packed with all sorts of good ingredients to keep you feeling your best. 

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@bevsbybeverly

Erewhon X Bella Hadid Smoothie   3/4 cup Organic Pure Orange juice or Organic Defense Up 1/4 cup almond milk Half a frozen banana 1 cup frozen mango 1 date 1/4 cup coconut yogurt 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Dash of turmeric 2 tbsp aloe vera juice (optional) 1 tsp Lion’s Mane (optional) Coconut cream for glass   Add coconut cream to a glass. Combine all other ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth, and enjoy!

♬ Escapism. – Super Sped Up – RAYE

The verdict 

After a pricey Whole Foods trip (about $45, not counting the impulse items I also grabbed while I was there), I was ready to get started. Overall, it was a quick and easy recipe to throw together despite it calling for more ingredients than I typically include in my smoothies and requiring me to artfully paint coconut cream on the inside of my glass. It turned out looking and tasting pretty good if I do say so myself. But would I pay $20 for it at Erewhon? Probably not. Here’s why:

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I didn’t love the texture of it. I typically use Greek yogurt in my smoothies for added protein but also to give them a thicker, milkshake-like consistency. Instead, the Kinsicle smoothie calls for coconut yogurt, so it ended up having a lighter, frothier texture, making it feel less filling. This brings me to the second reason why I wouldn’t reach for it at the grocery store: I prefer to drink smoothies as a snack or a meal, but I still felt hungry after I finished this one. Sure, you could probably add more filling ingredients like protein powder or nut butter, but that also adds to the cost. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmpnEOwvKSf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=096aaa2b-9fc5-4dab-b250-124da761a700

While I wouldn’t personally pay $20 for a single serving of the Kinsicle smoothie, I am excited to have the ingredients to make it again at home. I’m not usually a big fan of the Creamsicle flavor, but I liked it in this recipe, maybe because it’s made from more natural ingredients. I was also pleasantly surprised that I felt more mentally focused than usual after drinking it and didn’t find myself reaching for my usual 3 p.m. coffee. But maybe that’s just wishful thinking or the Kin Euphorics talking?

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If You’re Making the Bella Hadid Smoothie, a Few Tips

  • Use ground turmeric. Half an ounce of fresh turmeric is equal to about 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, which is likely more readily available.
  • Don’t stress if you don’t use exactly the same brands of ingredients the recipe calls for. Another part of the branded smoothie is the way it calls for exact brands of ingredients. You can still get an optimal Bella Hadid experience even if you reach for your own preferred choice of almond milk, coconut yogurt, and orange juice.
  • Use a high-powered blender. If you have one, use it! Or else you might have to chew on the occasional date chunk — nature’s boba?

5 Wellness Products Our Editors Swear By

Published on by Lee1 Comment

I don’t know about you, but I am very deep into wellness TikTok. Like, I can’t scroll past five videos without being told my gut microbiome is probably in shambles, I need to start doing pilates ASAP, or that drinking water out of the cult-favorite Stanley cup will solve all of my problems. Do I know how my For You Page ended up like this? No. But am I mad about it? Not. If anything, it’s surprisingly motivated me to start taking my physical health, mental health, and wellness products more seriously. 

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As a full-time teacher that’s also on the BeautyLeeBar grind, DoorDash-ing a Chipotle burrito the size of my head for dinner (with chips and guac, obviously) and then proceeding to get four hours of sleep is becoming a little too typical of an evening for me. I’m not trying to be the human embodiment of Erewhon by any means, but instilling a couple of small habits and changes is definitely on my to-do list.

But where do I start? It seems like there are a million different ways to amp up your wellness game, so choosing exactly what to do can be overwhelming. In a perfect world, we’d be able to change every single habit and practice of ours overnight and simply become that girl by the next morning. But it’s baby steps and balance that’ll happily and healthily send us in the right direction (I am not going cold turkey on my Chipotle deliveries). So, lucky for you and me both, The BeautyLeeBar editors have shared some of their go-to wellness products that are easy to incorporate into an everyday routine. Read on to see which ones you need to add to your routines STAT:

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  • For the most peaceful sleep:

“I’ve never had a problem falling asleep, but I have a lot of trouble staying asleep. I tend to wake up a few times a night which makes me feel like I’m never truly rested. These sleep gummies have completely turned my world upside down. They help me fall and stay asleep, but don’t make it any harder to wake up, which has always been my concern with melatonin and sleep supplements. No matter how stressed I am or what factors are happening that would generally give me a restless night of sleep, these have become my saving grace. I recommend it to everyone I know. – Adeline, Fashion Editor

EQUILIBRIA CBD Sleep Gummies

Infused with 25mg of full-spectrum CBD and 5mg of sleepy hemp-derived compounds, these cherry flavored sleep gummies make falling and staying asleep easy as ever.

  • For a calming start to the day:

“I’m typically a very light sleeper, so traditional alarms, like the ones I used to set on my phone, are way too jarring for me first thing in the morning. I didn’t realize how much being startled awake was affecting my daily moods until I got my Hatch Restore alarm clock. Now, my wake-up routine consists of a sunrise effect that gradually starts brightening 10 minutes before my alarm goes off, and when it does, I’m woken up by the soft sounds of wind chimes. It has truly been a game-changer for helping me wake up feeling calm and refreshed, rather than frantic to shut my alarm off before it gives me a headache.”– Rosee, Lifestyle Editor

Hatch Restore Alarm Clock

With multiple dreamscapes, guided rest exercises, gradual sunrise lights, peaceful sounds, and more, you’ll feel relaxed and well-rested both morning and night.

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  • For staying hydrated:

“It’s the simplest wellness product I own, but the one I use most consistently (like all day every day–I have a few, so it’s sanitary, don’t worry). Since getting it, I have ditched every other water bottle and have deemed it my can’t-live-without product. Consider it my security water bottle. I love the time stamps, as it helps me stay on track throughout the day, so I have an understanding of how much (or how little) I drink. I also love that it’s 64 ounces, so I only have to refill once a day (max), which in itself helps me drink more water because in the past I have drank a whole water bottle while working at my desk and not gotten up to refill for hours. Lastly, it’s chic AF, which is truly important because I will just want to drink it more.”– Josie, Wellness Editor + Podcast Hostess

AMAZON 64 oz Motivational Water Bottle

Reach your hydration goals with this bottle that keeps you on track and motivated! Plus, it has a detachable straw for easy cleaning and is 100% leak proof.

  • For easy at-home fitness:

“I need everyone who primarily works out from the home to listen to me very closely: you need this workout mat. I struggle to get through floor exercises using a standard yoga mat, and it’s through no fault of my own. Paired with the hard floors in my home, my old yoga mat simply isn’t supportive enough to combat the excruciating knee pain that comes from kneeling on the ground for extended periods. The Stakt foldable workout mat is the answer to my prayers. The thick foam alone is a huge upgrade over my old yoga mat in terms of support, but the unique foldable design takes it to another level and allows me to easily fold my mat if I feel my body needs a little extra cushion (it usually does—and folding a standard yoga mat up never works as well as I want it to).”– Kari, Beauty Editor

STAKT Foldable Yoga Mat

Not only is this mat supportive and ultra comfy, but it also brings versatility to your workouts—use it for incline exercises or to help with stretching while it’s folded, too.

  • For hot girl walks:

“I’ve always been the kind of gal who just buys whatever sneakers are on-trend—usually some Adidas or Nike pair that comes in a cute colorway. However, when I first started hearing about Hokas a few years ago, everyone was saying that they were the most comfortable running and walking shoes that they’d ever worn. And now after owning this pair for two years, I can wholeheartedly agree. I own two pairs now… they’re just that good. I’m a big walker, and these are the only shoes that I can wear that provide the support I need and never make my feet hurt.”– Rivera, Associate Commerce Editor

HOKA Bondi 8 Running Shoes

The Bondi 8’s are one of the most popular Hoka shoes for a reason—with strategically placed, super soft cushioning that supports every part of your foot, you’ll never want to wear other sneakers again.